As our plane touched down in northern Taiwan at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, we were welcomed by the island’s vibrant energy. Glancing through the window before landing, I was struck by the sight of wind turbines dotting the beaches and coastlines, solar panels on rooftops, and vast rice fields surrounding these modern additions. The scene reminded me of the potential for renewable energy in the Philippines. For our Stairway Foundation team, this journey was special—the beginning of an inspiring collaboration with the Ming Yi Foundation, guided by a shared vision to unlock every human’s potential, especially children.
Developing the partnership
The Ming Yi-Stairway partnership was initiated in May 2022 when the Ming Yi Foundation first contacted us to explore collaboration in areas like child and youth development, women’s and girls’ empowerment, and support for the differently-abled. Ming Yi has supported the building of our new Information, Communication, and Technology Center (ICT) in Baclayan and the Educational Assistance Initiative. Ming Yi’s subsequent visits allowed them to witness our programs firsthand, meeting our dedicated team, visiting our organic farm, seeing the floating classroom, and interacting with our community partners and beneficiaries.
Founded by Steve Chang and Jenny Chen, veterans of the international tech world, Ming Yi envisions becoming an “NPO for NPOs,” pooling resources and empowering the nonprofit sector in Taiwan and beyond. Their mission statement, “Create opportunities for human beings to maximize their potential and become better selves,” captures this goal, and their commitment to building a supportive platform for grants, innovation, and learning has inspired us.
Exchanging Insights and Innovations
During our first days in Taiwan, we saw Ming Yi’s mission in action, visiting their impressive 13-story facility with specialized rooms for youth and children’s mental health. Their unique innovations, like an acupressure-based app to alleviate physical discomfort, underscored their dedication to integrating technology with wellness. Sharing our experiences and learning from Ming Yi’s partners deepened our understanding of mental health interventions for children and families. We left inspired by their approach and were thrilled about the potential collaboration around our e-learning platform for child rights and protection, which could potentially end up supporting the NPO community in Taiwan.
nostalgia and discoveries
For some of our team, this trip was their first time out of the country. For Stairway’s founders, Executive Director Kuya Lars and Creative Director Ate Monica, it marked their first return to Taiwan after over 30 years since they met as English language teachers there. Taiwan’s efficiency in public transport—from the eco-conscious Ximen District to the seamless subway system—stood out, making each commute an adventure of its own.
We gained insights into Taiwan’s history and cultural roots during visits to the National Museum and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, learning about Taiwan’s colonial past and its unique identity influenced by Japan, the Dutch, and the Chinese mainland. Food and shopping quickly became highlights of our trip! Staying in Ximen, Taipei’s lively shopping and entertainment district, allowed us to savor flavorful ramen, find great deals on pasalubong (gifts), and immerse ourselves in the local culture. The vibrant streets filled with shops and restaurants offered something for everyone. We also gained valuable insights into Taiwan’s complex history and cultural roots during visits to the National Museum and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. There we learned about Taiwan’s colonial past and its unique identity influenced by Japan, the Dutch, and the Chinese mainland.
reflection and gratitude
Reflecting on our journey, we are deeply grateful to Ming Yi for funding this week-long trip and to our own Stairway Foundation, which selected ten team members to join. Ming Yi’s mission “to create opportunities for human beings to maximize their potential” resonated deeply with us. This journey has strengthened our resolve in Stairway’s mission and left us with personal insights and memories to cherish.
With a grateful heart, we all say, “Xie xie, Ming Yi! Xie xie, Taiwan!”
By Jason C. Arbarquez, SFI Program Coordinator EACY